Mammography benefits for women under 50: a closer look at the controversy.

The debate concerning the effectiveness of mammography screening for reducing breast cancer mortality rates among women in their 40s is explored. The most recent data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are presented. Lack of adequate statistical power in these trials is addressed. Temporal factors in young women's breast cancer (sojourn and survival times) that potentially affect RCT outcomes are explored. Current and planned activities at the national and international levels aimed to further examine the highly controversial issue of mass screening of younger women are described.